Researchers discover new way to store solar energy
New method is cheaper and more efficient
The energy issue is one of the most debated topics nowadays. With the environmental problems caused by emissions associated with fossil fuels, determining the imbalance that results in global warming, the search for cleaner and economically viable energy sources is increasingly important.
Solar and wind energy, despite being less polluting, need time to effectively develop economic viability through the learning curve, which equally determines a necessary gain in efficiency in the energy generation process. And that is exactly what is happening, thanks to the development of new technologies. One of them was created by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in the USA.
In their research, scientists have discovered a new way to store solar energy in its "pure" chemical form. Normally, sunlight is turned into electrical energy or just heat before being stored. The great advantage of the new method is the fact that light, in its chemical form, can be stored for long periods without losing energy and only needs a catalyst, a small temperature change or a flash to release energy.
The study was based on an analysis of di-ruthenium fulvalene, a chemical compound used to store sunlight. After learning about how this compound works, the next step was to look for a substitute that was more abundant in nature.
The solution came in the form of a mixture of carbon nanotubes, small and fine carbon structures, and the chemical compound azobenzene, giving rise to a new material with the capacity to store sunlight more efficiently and cheaply.
The researchers claim that the technique used to develop the compound can be used to develop different products, but with similar characteristics. In addition, they are looking for new materials to generate other chemical compounds.
Science again shows us that there are alternatives to the consumption of fossil fuels. Is that you? What have you been doing to reduce your carbon footprint? Visit our special feature on carbon emissions and find out how you can help fight global warming.
